VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

May 2026

VMSN updates

Dignity Health through Common Spirit has awarded VMSN the Community Health Improvement Grant for the exceptional quality and potential impact of our proposed project on addressing critical health needs and improving outcomes within our community. Thank you for supporting our dedicated commitment to the health and well-being of our residents.

Wynn Resorts Foundation has awarded VMSN a grant for the Pharmacy Prescription Program. This grant will support VMSN’s free pharmacy services to the low-income and uninsured population of Southern Nevada. We are grateful for the Wynn Resorts Foundation’s support to provide a free comprehensive health care home for those who cannot afford it.

patient spotlight

Lorenzo and Petra receive food assistance through VMSN’s Social and Behavioral Health Intervention Services. Also pictured, UNLV Social Work student intern, Katerine.

Lorenzo and Petra's Journey

Lorenzo and Petra have built a life in Las Vegas centered around family for the last 21 years. They are proud parents of two children, ages 18 and 20, who both work part-time in housekeeping.

Lorenzo was referred to VMSN by Sunrise Hospital following surgery and now receives care for diabetes and hyperlipidemia, along with dental services. Petra, a cancer survivor, comes to VMSN for regular screenings to maintain her health and peace of mind.

They are so grateful for VMSN, especially the bilingual staff and volunteers, who help them confidently navigate care and services. As Petra shares, “The bilingual staff makes all the difference in making us feel comfortable. We always feel welcome.”

Currently, the family faces severe financial challenges with Lorenzo unable to work due to his health. Petra is currently unemployed. Still, they remain focused on the future. Petra hopes to find stable work, and together they dream of seeing their children become independent.

Outside of medical visits, Lorenzo and Petra stay deeply connected to their church, where they attend and help organize events, building strong ties within their community and drawing strength from those around them. With the invaluable support of VMSN, they remain hopeful and committed to moving forward.

community partners

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the American Heart Association for their generous donations and continued support of our patients!

Through the donation of educational literature, healthy cookbooks, blood pressure monitors, and many other valuable health materials, the American Heart Association has helped empower our patients to make healthier lifestyle choices and better understand the importance of monitoring their blood pressure and overall well-being. We deeply appreciate their commitment to helping underserved individuals live healthier lives.

Volunteer spotlight

My Tam and Emmy the Llama

Born in Vietnam and raised in Las Vegas, My Tam Phan learned resilience and determination from an early age. After immigrating to the U.S. at age three, she watched her parents work long hours as nail technicians while building a new life for their family.

Struggling with English in elementary school, My Tam taught herself to read, write, and speak fluently through books and television. By age 10, she was translating for her parents at appointments, completing paperwork, and helping her family navigate healthcare systems—experiences that sparked her passion for medicine and serving others.

She later graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a degree in Biological Sciences and will begin medical school this July at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV.

Since joining Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada as a scribe in 2023, My Tam has become a dedicated leader and mentor within the organization, serving as a lead scribe trainer while gaining experience across multiple medical specialties.

My Tam was awarded Research Assistant of the Month by the Las Vegas Emergency Medicine Research Assistant Program and took Emmy the prized llama to visit VMSN

Her time at VMSN has strengthened her clinical knowledge, communication skills, and commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. She is especially passionate about helping uninsured and underserved patients overcome language and cultural barriers, inspired by the challenges her own family once faced. My Tam hopes to one day return to VMSN as a physician and continue giving back to the community that helped shape her journey.

Known for her positivity, teamwork, and creativity, My Tam cherishes the relationships she has built at VMSN. One of her favorite memories was filming scribe training videos with fellow trainers, where she embraced her “inner acting skills” while creating educational resources for future volunteers. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys watching Korean dramas, playing Just Dance, and spending time with coworkers after shifts. Her advice to new volunteers reflects the mindset that has guided her success: “Ask for help and be of help.”

celebrations

We love celebrating our staff! VMSN recognized staff birthdays and work anniversaries, sharing a wonderful moment of joy, appreciation, and connection together.

A big shout out to Maribeth for curating a beautiful charcuterie spread for our staff birthday and anniversary celebration. Her thoughtful touch helped make the gathering extra special as we honored the dedication and heart our team brings to serving the community.

Upcoming events

Areas of need

Ongoing Needs

$50 provides bloodwork for 7 patients to accurately diagnose
$100 provides 40 prescription medications for good health
$250 provides 125 crowns to save teeth and maintain a good diet
$1,000 provides 700 patients with medical supplies

Volunteer Clinicians – doctors, nurses, dentists, hygienists, cardiology, oncology, therapy.

Help us provide quality health care within a culture of compassionate caring. Please consider donating. We would also love to give you a tour of the Ruffin Family Clinic, the main clinic on Martin Luther King Way. Contact us through our website or call 702-967-0530.